You know 'em. The ones you see on TV, hear on radio, read in the paper. The "expert" on ... well whatever it is they're talking about. Sometimes they're an expert due to their life experiences, sometimes its due to education (quite often dubious, but let's give 'em the benefit of the doubt). Then there is the ones that for the life of me I think they pick off the street. The ones that like to hear themselves talk.
I can hear you thinking, "What got this rant started?" As well you should think that. So what was it? I tend to listen to "Marketplace" on NPR radio each evening (ok, usually 2-3 days each week). They often will have someone read a little one to two minute speech on their thoughts on the economy or sometimes just anything at all. Today they had a .... ehm ... "wonderful" commentary by some woman that thinks she knows how to save. What's her secret? Its to save money on the big ticket items and ignore everything else.
Her advice? You spend $4 on a latte every day? No problem. Brown bagging a lunch? Why bother? Giving your husband a haircut? Boy are you missing the big picture. Is someone telling you to save money this way? Roll your eyes (but only when they're not looking.)
She is the co-founder of some "group". If I start a group, can I be an expert too?
Lastly, I should say that when the time comes up, "Yes - Oh holy Yes" you should pay attention to the big ticket items. You certainly can get a big advantage when the big ticket items come up. But ignoring the rest is stupid, stupid, hello is anyone home? stupid.
Oh, and finally, if anyone from NPR is reading this, I just formed the "High Impact Saving" Group (tm). If you need an expert commentary, don't be shy to ask.
(Oops, almost forgot, here is the link:
http://marketplace.publicradio.org/shows/2006/07/25/PM200607257.html)
PS: Perhaps I shouldn't.... aaaaaaaaah, I can't help myself..... but her group is the "business talent group". Just what exactly is their talent???? (bad blogger, baaaaad blogger)
Can I be an "expert" too?
July 25th, 2006 at 05:46 pm
July 27th, 2006 at 12:16 pm
I totally identify with this idea of "who is an expert" too! Who decides these things? And in fact, what makes someone qualified. I don't think it matters if they are experts or just regular people. I just listen to what someone says and ask myself if it makes sense. I think that we are the really the best judges of who is an expert.
And just because I am not touting myself as a money expert doesn't mean that I don't have anything useful to say that might help you. Whether it is debt, investing, money, whatever, we just need to pay attention to anything we read and decide for ourselves.
July 28th, 2006 at 10:46 pm
August 1st, 2006 at 01:19 pm
August 25th, 2006 at 02:28 am
This was funny!
Silly, silly expert. Good, GOOD blogger!! Rant on, with your badself!!